FULHAM’S latest vicar says he was coaxed out of retirement by the diverse and welcoming community that greeted him when he moved to the area.

After six years as the Archbishop of Canterbury's secretary for inter-religious affairs, Canon Guy Wilkinson CBE decided to call it a day and relocated his family to Normand Park.

He quickly became a familiar face in the congregation of St Andrew’s Fulham Fields, attending and volunteering at events and services.

Coincidentally, it was also during this time that the church began its hunt for a new vicar, the previous incumbent having left for a post in Kennington.

After several unsuccessful interviews, they approached Mr Wilkinson with an offer he felt was too good to refuse, a year after he had retired.

The father-of-five said: “I moved to the area mainly for family reasons.

“We were looking for a place we could locate to and meet the needs of the family, plus Fulham has something for everyone. At that time they had advertised the job but hadn’t filled the post, so they asked me if I wanted to join.

“I’m interested in people and communities and how people from all backgrounds can join together to make a difference, and Fulham is certainly a diverse area.

“It’s a diverse congregation and it’s also very welcoming – that’s one of the reasons I was so attracted to it.”

Appointed around 10 months ago, the 64-year-old was formally installed as the new vicar last week in a service attended by more than 200 parishioners and local dignitaries.

He was brought in to oversee the church’s £3million redevelopment, which includes new flooring, lighting and heating as well as a new three-storey community centre, which was also opened at the service.

“I’ve been around for the last 10 months while the building work has been going on,” said Mr Wilkinson, “but I formally became the vicar last week.

“This is very much a new community centre, open to everyone, no matter what their background or faith.

“There’s a cafe and kitchen, a floor of open space and there will also be a nursery school available to the community.”

Mr Wilkinson was recognised by the Queen in the New Year Honours list for services to inter-faith relations.